Adjustable facial conforming face mask

ABSTRACT

An adjustable face mask having a body conforming substantially to the facial structure of a wearer. The face mask is provided with a neck protector and removable filter and with a strip of fabric designed to push air down to the sides of the wearer&#39;s face in order to eliminate fogging of the wearer&#39;s goggles. The face mask can optionally provide neck protection with a descending neck member.

RELATED APPLICATIONS INFORMATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/983,839, filed Jan. 3, 2011, the entire contents of which isincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The current invention relates generally to face masks and facecoverings. More specifically it relates to face masks that providecontinuous air filtration, face and neck protection and warmthparticularly while the wearer is moving at high speeds such as riding ona motorcycle, skiing, and participating in various motorsports.

2. Prior Art

It has become ever more popular in recent years for young and olderpeople alike to ride motorcycles. Many motor & power sport enthusiastsenjoy multiple activities from street-bikes to ATVs, off-road bikes,side-by-sides and snowmobiles.

While these sports bring the enthusiast closer to nature, they ofnecessity tend to introduce the rider to various elements includingdust, debris, flying rocks, sand, insects, cold wind, snow and othercommon hazards. In states requiring helmets and for those who choose towear them, some helmets incorporate face guards for protection fromlarge objects, however they do little or nothing to filter out fineparticulate matter common in dusty or sandy environments. In addition,other helmets, such as those worn by riders of snowmobiles and dirtbikes, while covering the lower face, allow for greater airflow andthus, expose the rider to cold and other hazards.

Conversely, open-faced helmets provide no face protection whatsoever tothe rider that can result in some serious impacts with the rider's faceby bugs and road debris in addition to providing no protection fromfumes emitted from automobiles on the road. Despite this, open-facedhelmets are often preferred for various reasons, including style andenhanced visibility.

Other sports such as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and other coldweather outdoor sports have been popular for years, pushing innovationin technical outdoor gear. Innovation is necessary to address painfulfrostbite, a common occurrence in many of these sports.

For skiers, snowmobilers, bike riders, motorcycle riders and othermotorsport enthusiasts wearing helmets, full-face helmets tend to fogquickly, especially when employed with the use of goggles. This mostoften occurs due to the heavy breathing of the user, and/or temperaturedifferentials between the interior of such shields and the atmosphere.Further, most such shields afford no form of air filtration to protectthe breathing and eyes of the rider in areas prone to dust, smoke, orpollution.

Face mask and face protection devices that provide face coverage as wellas air filtration do so by including an insert on the inner surface ofthe mask for installation and removal of standard dust masks notprovided with the device initially. This of course requires the user topurchase extraneous products to achieve the desired face protection andair filtration offered by the mask. In addition, many of these existingface masks cause additional fogging issues, and, while protecting fromwind and dust, do not protect against other air-born contaminants ordiesel fuel, a common hazard of street-riding.

As such, it is seen that there is a need for a face-mask that provides abalance of protection, warmth, anti-fogging and air filtration and thatmay be used in conjunction with certain full-face helmets or alone withthe use of goggles or other eyewear. Such a device should be wearable bymany types of riders and sports participants to protect their faces fromboth weather and from impacts which occur at medium to high speeds withbugs and debris and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides face and neck protection by means ofsemi-soft malleable material, such as neoprene, or any other semi-softmalleable material which is face conforming, adjustable to the wearer'snose, having an interior surface adapted to be gentle to the user's skinand having an exterior surface configured to withstand the elements. Thematerial has a thickness and density to afford insulation from windchill as well as to form a pad against potential impacts from roaddebris and such other airborne hazards as insects and gravel.

The interior surface is fitted directly against the users face in theas-used position and using the preferred material and its elasticnature, will generally conform to the surface of the face. In aparticularly preferred mode, there is a replaceable filter engagedbetween the interior surface of the mask in the area of the nose andmouth of the user. In the preferred mode of the device, the filter isformed of a bamboo/carbon-fiber material as this is naturallyhypoallergenic and will not cause irritation to the skin of the user,however the material of the filter may be made of other materialsdepending on the purpose for which the filter is being used.

A means to securely engage the device to the user in a preferred mode,is provided using hook and loop type fastener material, or otherfasteners, such as snaps, which are positioned on straps. The strapshave a length sufficient to extend around the neck to the back of theuser's head with appreciable overlap to allow for secure engagement intothe head in the as-used position.

To assist the user in breathing through the device there is provided, anarray of apertures positioned inline with and proximate to thenose/mouth area of the user and the device. The quantity, orientation,and diameter of the apertures are of such construction to yield anaggregate area of air passage to supply the user with sufficient airsupply for breathing. In a preferred mode of the device, the aperturesare formed in spherical shape having corresponding circular openings ofequal diameter on the interior and exterior of the mask.

In one embodiment, the vertical extent of the device begins at thebridge of the nose and continues to just below the chin. This embodimentencompasses full coverage of the nose, mouth, and cheeks with thesecurement strap extending around the neck.

In another embodiment, the device extends from the bridge of the nose tojust below the shoulder line of the wearer, offering full frontal neckcoverage as well, a desired embodiment in cold-weather sports.

In all embodiments, there is a thin semi-rigid malleable strip ofmaterial extending around the bridge area of the nose at the upper mostinterior section of the device. This allows the user to adjust the fitof the device at the nose, allowing for a more custom fit. The thinsemi-rigid malleable strip is encased in neoprene or other fabric. Inone embodiment this fabric forms a sleeve around the strip. The strip isthen affixed to the device at its distal end and center. There is also astrip of material called a ledge or lip, which is attached at one sideto the device and contours the edge of the device from just below thenose on the right side to the left side. The ledge can be formed ofneoprene and is attached to the interior of the mask by the upper edgepart of the ledge hangs over the semi-rigid malleable strip and extendspartially along the wearer's upper cheekbones to the right and left ofthe nose. This additional strip of fabric functions to push air down andout along the sides of the wearer's face, eliminating fogging due to thewearer's breath.

With respect to the above description, it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited in its application to the details of operationof the invention nor the arrangement of the components or steps in themethod set forth above or in the following descriptions or in theillustrations in the drawings. The various methods of implementation andoperation of the disclosed device herein, are capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways thatwill be obvious to those skilled in the art once they review thisdisclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein are for the purpose of description andshould not be regarded as limiting.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon whichthis disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis fordesigning similar face shielding devices adapted to conform to theuser's facial structure and for carrying out the several purposes of thepresent invention. Therefore, the objects and claims herein should beregarded as including such equivalent constructions, steps, andmethodology insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a user withprotection and warmth of the nose/mouth region of the face as well asfor the neck when exposed to cold or wind.

It is another object of the invention to provide a means to filterincoming air via a removable filter.

It is yet another object of the invention to maintain a close and secureengagement about the bridge of the nose.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a means forpushing and/or directing air away from the wearer's eyes in order toeliminate fogging of the wearer's goggles. When the user of the devicebreaths through their nose or mouth air is directed down to the rightand left of the nose and mouth rather than upward toward the eyes.

These together with other objects and advantages will becomesubsequently apparent in the details of the adjustable facial conformingfacemask as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the device with neckprotection, straps, air intake apertures, and filter snap locks.

FIG. 2 shows the exterior surface of the invention depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the interior of the surface of the invention depicted inFIG. 1 and showing the interior corresponding snap fits for engagementwith the filter.

FIG. 4 depicts another embodiment of the device providing faceprotection only, also showing straps, air apertures, and filterengagement snap fits.

FIG. 5 shows the exterior surface of the invention as depicted in FIG.4.

FIG. 6 shows the interior of the face mask as depicted in FIG. 4 showingthe interior corresponding snap fits for engagement with the filter

FIG. 7 shows the interior surface of the invention with the nose/mouthfilter engaged in one embodiment of the invention providing neckprotection.

FIG. 8 shows the interior surface of the invention with the nose/mouthfilter engaged in one embodiment of the device providing face protectiononly.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional depiction of the spherical apertures withparallel walls allowing the breather to communicate air through the faceapertures and the filter.

FIG. 10 shows a close-up view of the fabric ledge attached to the uppermost periphery of the interior of the face mask and showing the way inwhich air is forced down and out to the sides of the wearer's face toprevent fogging.

FIG. 11 shows the as used position of the device with a neck protectorextension as described in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 shows the as used position of the device without a neckprotector extension as described in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Now referring to drawings in FIGS. 1-12, wherein similar components areidentified by like reference numerals, there is seen in FIG. 1 a sideview of one preferred mode of the body 11 of the device 10 having adescending neck protector extension 18 hanging in front of, and spacedaway from the surface of a user's neck. The extension 18 is especiallypreferred because it provides a means to shield the neck of the userfrom impact and cold weather if the device 10 is worn by a user such asa motorcycle rider, mountain bike rider, skier or other power sportparticipant.

When the device 10 is employed by the user in the as-used position, theside straps 16 are wrapped about a users neck and engaged. The straps 16are formed of the same material as the body 11 and are also elastic innature and thus when engaged to each other and around the user's neck,provide a means to bias the body of the device 10 against the face ofthe user.

Depicted in FIG. 1 by dashed lines is one possible means of engagementsuch as sewn-in hook and loop fastener 17 material. Although notpictured, such engagement of the side straps 16 may possibly be snapfits or other such means of engagement and should not be consideredlimited by the depiction in the figure. The profile of the device 10 isseen (as in FIG. 11) wherein the body 11 is configured to follow andconform the profile as generally seen in a human head and face, morespecifically to follow and conform to the contours of the human nose andmouth. Employing a material with elastic qualities such as neoprene,which is initially formed to somewhat conform to the user's face bysewing or forming and heating, allows the material to slightly stretchand tend to hug the user's face when in the as-used position of FIG. 11.

Shown in FIG. 2 is a view of the exterior surface of the body 11 ofdevice 10. The air apertures 12 are located generally about the nose andmouth region of the device 10 and positioned to align with the nose andmouth of the user when the device 10 is in the as-used position. An airfilter 20 can be affixed to the device 10. The air filter 20 can be madeof bamboo fibers, carbon and electrostatically charged polypropylenefibers in addition to other known flat fibrous materials. One means forengagement of an air filter 20 (FIG. 7) to the invention 10 is depictedas snap fits 13. Similarly, this means of engagement should not belimited to what is depicted but could also be hook and loop fasteners 17or other fasteners of the like. Snap fits 13 are shown merely fordemonstrative purposes.

The filter is useful in that it provides additional protection frombiting cold wind but also protects the wearer from air-borncontaminants, pollution, fumes from the road, dust, sand and liquids.The bamboo portion of the filter is also anti-bacterial which reducesodors and bacteria from forming. The filter is also replaceable andeasily interchangeable.

Shown in FIG. 3 is a view of the interior surface of the body 11 of thedevice 10. The malleable nose piece adjusting member 14 is engaged tothe body 11 either in a pocket or by adhesive, or by other means ofengagement. The nose piece 14 is covered by a layer of fabric or othermaterial. The fabric or other material can be formed s a pocket thatsurrounds the nose piece 14 and allows it to be attached to the body 11.The fabric or other material protects the bridge of the user's nose fromthe metal of the nose piece 14 which can be cold or hard on the user'snose. The nose piece is engaged to the body 11 at a position traversingover the top surface of a user's nose when said device is in saidas-used position. The nose piece 14 is made of a malleable and resilientmaterial and tends to maintain its shape once adjusted by the user to auser's specific nose bridge. It will withstand repeated use, andprovides a user-adjustable means to shape the body 11 at a portion ofthe body 11 where it crosses the user's nose to better conform the body11 to hug the user's skin adjacent to and over the nose when in theas-used position. The nose piece 14 may be formed of any material whichis bendable to shape and can do so repeatedly such as metal or plastic.

Shown in FIG. 3 is a strip of neoprene or other material referred to asa ledge or lip 21 sewn into the seam of the upper peripheral portion ofthe device 10. The ledge 21 is located at the upper edge of the body 11just above the nose piece 14. The ledge 21 is attached to the body ofthe mask 11 only by stitching along the top of the ledge 21. The ledge21 is configured to push air from the user's breath down and out to theside of the mask as depicted in FIG. 10. The ledge 21 may be made of thesame material as the body 11 of device 10, but should not be limited tothat material only. In one embodiment the ledge 21 is configured tocommence just to the lower left of the user's nose and form a arcedangle which dips in at the bridge of the nose and then extends out toanother angle ending below the right side of the user's nose. The distalends of the ledge 21 are narrower than the middle of the arc and thearea at the center of the ledge 21 just below the bridge of the nose isnarrower than the arcs on either the right or left side of the user'snose. In this configuration the ledge 21 hangs partially over the nosepiece 14. In this configuration when the user breathes from their nose,the air that would normally be forced upward is caught in the gap anddirected downward and to the right and left of the user's nose and mouthas well as out the apertures 12, creating maximum air flow away from thewearer's face. The ledge 21 essentially forces air away from the user'seyes. In the instance where a user is wearing goggles, glasses or othereyewear, this eyewear does not become fogged or have condensation issuesas the air and hot breath is forced in the opposite direction. Thiseliminates the need to take off one's eyewear to wipe off the lensesduring participation in strenuous activities. The benefits of thisimprovement extend far beyond convenience. If worn during tacticaloperations, this time saving improvement could be life saving.

If a user decides that air filtration is needed then a filter 20 isengaged onto the interior surface 15 adjacent to the air apertures 12 asdepicted in FIGS. 7 and 8. Again, the engagement of the air filter 20 isdepicted by snap fits 13 but should not be considered limiting. In thepreferred embodiment of the device 10 the filter 20 is of bamboo andcarbon fiber construction but can take on many other modes. Carbonfiltering uses a bed of activated carbon to remove contaminants andimpurities using chemical absorption. The manufactured carbon cloth canfiltrate bacteria, dust, micro-granules and organic poisonous gaseseffectively because of the large surface area of each carbon particle,allowing contaminants the maximum possible exposure to the active siteswithin the filter media. Other filters, such as those made ofpolypropylene are beneficial to filter out dust and debris while stillallowing for maximum breathability. Polypropylene filters are a type ofelectrostatic filter in which fibers are rubbed together, creating apositively and negatively charged fiber, which are then constructed intoa nonwoven felt, providing the filter material. The electrically chargedmaterial attracts and binds to any material that passes through it.Filters made of bamboo fibers have the additional benefits of beinganti-bacterial, which reduces odors due to repeated use and areenvironmentally friendly by using sustainable materials.

Referring back to the air apertures 12 there is seen in FIG. 9 across-section of their communication through the device 10. Air entersfrom the exterior surface 19 and communicates along the cross-sectionalarea to exit at the interior surface 15 and vice versa, enabling theuser to breath and speak easily. The apertures 12 also allow the air toescape so that it is not trapped in the device and for the eyewear orcreate condensation in the interior of the device.

FIGS. 11 and 12 depict the as-used position of the device 10 in allmodes as described in FIGS. 1 and 4. The user fits the device 10 overtheir face positioning the contoured portion forming the nose and mouthover their nose and mouth and in line with the air apertures 12. Thenthe straps 16 are pulled snugly around the back of the head and engagedfirmly about the neck using means for fastening such as the depictedhook and loop fabric 17 or other means of fastening such as snaps orbuttons. FIG. 11 depicts a device 10 with a neck portion 18 that isuseful for cold weather wear of additional protection from debris. FIG.12 depicts a device 10 without the neck protection 18 allowing for moreflexibility. Breathing by the user is as normal whether or not thefilter 20 is engaged since air passage and communication to the nose andmouth of the user is aided by the airstream from the apertures 12.However the filter 20 is preferred especially when worn on a movingvehicle such as a motorcycle as it prevents particulate and liquid fromreaching the user's nose and mouth. Further, it provides a chamber infront of the user's nose and mouth wherein air from multiple apertures12 is communicated to the chamber area thereby allowing the user tobreath from the single and larger chamber formed by the filter 20instead of individual apertures 12.

While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of theinvention have been shown and described herein, with reference toparticular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, variouschanges and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure andit will be apparent that in some instances, some features of theinvention may be employed without a corresponding use of other featureswithout departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. Itshould also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, andvariations may be made by those skilled in the art without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the invention. Consequently, all suchmodifications and variations and substitutions are included within thescope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A face mask apparatus configured for covering auser's face when worn in an as-used position, comprising: a body, saidbody dimensioned to cover the user's nose and mouth and chin whenpositioned against their face in an as-used position; means to engagesaid body to said as-used position with an interior surface of said bodyin a contact with said user's face and an exterior surface of said bodyopposite said interior surface; a malleable nose piece covered withfabric engaged to said body at a position traversing over the topsurface of a user's nose when said device is in said as-used position; aledge at the upper peripheral portion of the device configured to pushair down and out the sides of the mask; a plurality of aperturescommunicating through said body in a region of said body aligned withsaid user's face and nose when said device is in said as-used position;said apertures providing means to communicate air to said user when saiddevice is in said as-used position; whereby said device worn in saidas-used position, provides a shield to said face of said user who canbreath through said apertures.
 2. The face mask of claim 1 additionallycomprising: a filter, said filter positioned upon said interior surfaceand aligned with said apertures; said filter receiving air from aplurality of said apertures and forming a chamber whereby said user canbreath through their nose or mouth and inhale air from a plurality ofsaid apertures from said chamber.
 3. The face mask of claim 1additionally comprising: a nose piece bendable by said user to a fitshape to conform to a diameter and angled sides of their nose; and saidnose piece in said fit shape, providing means to maintain said body toconform with a contour of said user's nose defined by said angled sides,and in a contact with said sides of said user's nose.
 4. The face maskof claim 2 additionally comprising: a malleable member engaged to saidbody at a position traversing over the top surface of a user's nose whensaid device is in said as-used position; said member bendable by saiduser to a fit shape to conform to a diameter and angled sides of theirnose; and said member in said fit shape, providing means to maintainsaid body to conform with a contour of said user's nose defined by saidangled sides, and in a contact with said sides of said user's nose. 5.The face mask of claim 1 additionally comprising: a shield portion,extending below a chin of said user to a distal end, said distal endspaced from, and in front of, said user's neck.
 6. The face mask ofclaim 2 additionally comprising: a shield portion, extending below achin of said user to a distal end, said distal end spaced from, and infront of, said user's neck.
 7. The face mask of claim 1 additionallycomprising: a neck protector, extending below a chin of said user to adistal end, said distal end spaced from, and in front of, said user'sneck.
 8. The face mask of claim 1, wherein the ledge is configured tocommence just to the lower left of the user's nose and form an acedangle which dips in at the bridge of the nose and then extends out toanother angle ending below the right side of the user's nose.
 9. Theface mask of claim 1, wherein the ledge is configured to push the airfrom the user's breath down the sides of the face, out the apertures andnot allow the air to escape upward toward the eyes.
 10. The face mask ofclaim 1, wherein the fabric covering the nose piece is a pocket.
 11. Thefilter or claim 1 constructed of activated carbon to remove contaminantsand impurities using chemical absorption.
 12. A face mask comprising: abody with an interior and exterior surface configured to cover theuser's lower face when worn; a means to engage said body to the usersface; a nose piece attached to the interior of the body at a positiontraversing the top surface of a user's nose when worn; a ledge at theupper peripheral edge of the device above the nose piece; and aplurality of apertures in the body aligned with the user's nose andmouth.
 13. The face mask of claim 12 additionally comprising: a filter,said filter positioned upon said interior surface and aligned with saidapertures; said filter receiving air from a plurality of said aperturesand forming a chamber whereby said user can breath through their nose ormouth and inhale air from a plurality of said apertures from saidchamber.
 14. The filter of claim 13 which is a polypropyleneelectrostatic filter.
 15. The face mask of claim 12 additionallycomprising: a nose piece bendable by said user to a fit shape to conformto a diameter and angled sides of their nose; and said nose piece insaid fit shape, providing means to maintain said body to conform with acontour of said user's nose defined by said angled sides, and in acontact with said sides of said user's nose.
 16. The face mask of claim12 additionally comprising: a neck protector, extending below a chin ofsaid user to a distal end, said distal end spaced from, and in front of,said user's neck.